San José Civic Center
San José’s 550,000 SF City Hall is the most prominent and visible new building commissioned by the City in recent memory. This 18-story office tower has already become a symbol of this growing international city and hosts visitors, investors, and businesses from around the world. It is anchored by a pedestrian-friendly plaza that is activated by the presence of public art and hosts large social gatherings. In addition to its important civic and public functions, the building has revitalized a dilapidated section of downtown and become a catalyst for social and economic activities. With the recent achievement of a LEED® Platinum rating, the San Josè Civic Center is projected to remain a civic icon for generations to come. Steinberg Architects, in association with design architect Richard Meier & Partners, led the program development phase and served as the primary point of contact with City leadership. During the course of our work, we gathered input from 30 different City departments, and facilitated meetings and presentations with a broad array of community groups and stakeholders.
At the onset of the project, we conducted an assessment of City spaces and facilities in the downtown area. This assessment led the City to conclude that it would be more financially prudent to construct a new, centrally-located facility that consolidates all City services, which were scattered throughout several buildings and in leased spaces.
Our involvement in the space planning, interior design, and organization of the building helped to re-examine the office work environment and redefine how City departments should be interconnected to improve the way they provide services to the public. Our project team was also instrumental in proposing and creating a One-Stop Center on the mezzanine level so visitors could obtain city services in one location.
San José Civic Center
- Completed:
- 2005
- Cost:
- $180,000,000
- Size:
- 566,000 SF
- LEED Certification:
- Platinum
- Program Elements:
- Conference Rooms, Council Chambers, Offices
- Services:
- Master Planning, Programming, Design through Construction, Sustainble Design